Township businesses have had come up with creative ways of staying afloat despite restrictions imposed as part of the lockdown level 4 regulations.
Some of the businesses, mainly eateries, introduced food delivery services while others came up with ways of ensuring that their customers could still have their meals at the venue, however, without breaking the laws.
On Tuesday, the popular Disoufeng restaurant and pub in Meadowlands, Soweto introduced the idea of serving customers in their cars using a portable table that they can use while parked outside.
Tebogo Phiri, owner of the restaurant, said as restaurants are not allowed to welcome sit-in customers, they had to lay off 55 staff members. Before the lockdown, Disoufeng had 65 employees but now operates with just 10.
To ensure that the business kept running and that more people were not laid off, Phiri had to say out of the box.
“These people have families to take care of as well. The idea to serve customers in their cars was shared to me by a close friend,” Phiri said.
He said he started with the portable serving tables and posted about it on social media, to an impressive response.
“A number of people liked the idea. As a result, I had to bring in more tables,” he said.
Customers park their cars in the restaurant's parking lot with waiters serving them in their cars.
“We also have security guards who are patrolling to keep our customers safe,” Phiri said.
When Sowetan visited Disoufeng on Tuesday, despite many customers ordering online there were several customers who wanted to experience the new way of dining despite the cold weather.
Khosi Kubheka, 29, who came with her family, said they liked the idea.
“There are times when you feel like dining in a restaurant but because of the pandemic we will settle for the car dining. It is safe and convenient,” she said.
Other township businesses have also introduced ways to save their employees' jobs and stay in operation.
Siya's Fast Food in White City introduced deliveries. Siyabonga Dhlamini said they had to add more staff members to keep up with orders.
“We had long queues of takeaways and we asked our customers to order on our WhatsApp so that we can deliver to them,” he said.
Siphon Mngadi of Mngadi's Kitchen in Mofolo South said his staff now have to alternate work shifts.
“We understand the difficulties that comes with alert level 4. To keep all my staff members I suggested they alternate days so that everyone is able to get something for their families,” Mngadi said.
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